See the difference softened water makes
Slide the cursor to compare a shower screen with limescale buildup to one protected by softened water.

Avant

Après
Water Softeners
If you live in an area with hard water and do not have a water softener, everything in your home will be affected by hard water and limescale—from your taps, bathroom tiles, and shower screens to your heating system and appliances.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is tap water in the United Kingdom safe to drink?
Tap water in the UK is generally considered safe to drink and is highly regulated. However, many homeowners still choose water filtration systems to improve taste, reduce chlorine, eliminate limescale-related impurities, and lower exposure to any remaining contaminants. Households use water filters because water can pick up chemicals, dissolved substances, and impurities as it travels through pipes and the environment before reaching the tap. Common reasons why UK homeowners filter their tap water include: improving taste and odor, reducing chlorine, removing sediment and particles, reducing heavy metals, filtering out microplastics, improving water quality for cooking and beverages, and protecting appliances from impurities. In hard water areas—such as much of England—water softeners prevent limescale buildup in kettles, showers, boilers, and household appliances.
What does a water filter remove?
A water filter removes impurities, chemicals, and unwanted tastes from your drinking water, improving both its quality and flavor. At East Midlands Water, our drinking water filters are designed to reduce common contaminants found in UK tap water while retaining the healthy minerals naturally present in the water. Depending on the filtration system used, a water filter can help reduce: chlorine; unpleasant tastes and odors; sediment and rust particles; dirt and debris; organic chemicals; microplastics; certain pesticides and herbicides; heavy metals such as lead; limescale particles; and water turbidity. The BT65 water filtration system uses advanced carbon filtration technology to improve the taste, odor, and clarity of your drinking water, providing cleaner, fresher water straight from your tap. Many customers choose water filtration systems because they: prefer better-tasting drinking water; want to reduce chlorine in tap water; are concerned about impurities; want filtered water for cooking, tea, and coffee; and want an eco-friendly alternative to bottled water. For customers requiring even higher levels of filtration, East Midlands Water also supplies reverse osmosis systems capable of removing a wider range of dissolved contaminants and producing ultra-pure drinking water.
How do I know if my water is hard?
If you live in a hard water area, you may notice limescale on taps, kettles, shower screens, and appliances. Hard water can also affect how your skin feels after washing, reduce soap lather, and shorten the lifespan of boilers and appliances. Common signs of hard water include: white marks on taps and glass; limescale in kettles; dry skin or dull hair after showering; reduced appliance efficiency; and soap or shampoo that does not lather properly. You can quickly check your water hardness using the East Midlands Water postcode checker here: Check your water hardness here. A water softener reduces limescale, protects appliances, and improves water quality throughout your home.
How does a water softener work?
In very simple terms, a water softener turns hard water into soft water. Water enters the softener and flows into the resin or media tank, where it undergoes a simple process that removes calcium, magnesium carbonate, and manganese, leaving the water soft before it is distributed for use in the property.
How much will a water softener cost me?
As with any household appliance, there is a wide range of prices available. Generally speaking, the more you pay, the better the product quality and the more features you get. Our water softeners range from small entry-level units costing around £380 to models priced at £1,200 for larger residential properties. While it is possible to buy very cheap water softeners, these are usually low-quality imports with a short lifespan. By investing in a high-quality water softener, you are investing in your home and your family.
How long do water softeners last?
All water softeners have a specific lifespan. Once again, the cheapest models typically come with only a two-year warranty; after that period, you may need to replace certain parts or even buy a new unit entirely. As with most purchases, it is best to do your research, find the model that best matches your needs, and then make your purchase. A high-quality water softener will last at least 10 years, while mid-range models typically last between 5 and 8 years. Longevity also depends on the volume of water passing through the system—determined by household usage—and the quality of the resin. East Midlands Water Company’s premium water softeners come with a 10-year warranty covering both parts and labor. That means 10 years of guaranteed peace of mind. We are so confident that our premium water softener will last at least 10 years that we guarantee it!
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